
What are the international laws on human cloning ??
1. United Nations: In 2005, the UN General Assembly adopted a non-binding resolution calling on member states to prohibit all forms of human cloning as they are “incompatible with human dignity and the protection of human life.” Although non-binding, it reflects global concern about cloning’s ethical implications.
2. European Union: The EU has strict regulations against human cloning. The European Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine (also known as the Oviedo Convention) explicitly prohibits human reproductive cloning. Moreover, EU funding cannot be used for projects involving reproductive cloning.
3. United States: The U.S. has no federal law outright banning human cloning, but several states have passed laws prohibiting it. While federal restrictions exist on the use of federal funds for cloning research, the regulation mainly pertains to reproductive cloning. Therapeutic cloning (research cloning) for stem cell research is allowed in some states like California.
4. United Kingdom: The UK has one of the most detailed regulatory frameworks for cloning. Reproductive cloning is illegal under the Human Reproductive Cloning Act of 2001. However, therapeutic cloning is permitted under strict regulation, particularly for stem cell research. Researchers must apply for licenses from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.
5. China: While China has not fully banned human cloning, it prohibits reproductive cloning but allows some stem cell research. The 2003 Guidelines for Research on Human Embryonic Stem Cells emphasize the ethical handling of such research.
6. Japan: Japan bans human reproductive cloning under its Act on Regulation of Human Cloning Techniques, passed in 2001. The law also regulates research cloning, requiring government approval for stem cell research.
Many other countries follow similar patterns, banning reproductive cloning outright while regulating research cloning, often focusing on stem cell research and its potential therapeutic benefits. These laws are shaped by ethical concerns related to identity, the sanctity of life, and the fear of exploitation in cloning practices.